May 4, 2010 > Thousands volunteer for Day of Service in California's parks Thousands volunteer for Day of Service in California's parks Submitted By Paul Bishop Recognizing the impact of the current economic environment on California's valuable local, regional, and state parks, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have designated Saturday, May 8, 2010 as a statewide day of service. "Parks come in all shapes and sizes and contain some of our most beautiful landscapes. They remind us that the natural world sustains life, provides refuge, and makes us better and more reflective human beings" says Reed Holderman, Executive Director of Sempervirens Fund. Some 75,000 volunteers, 8 years and older, will participate in the "Mormon Helpings Hands - Renewing California Parks" service projects. Mormons in every community in California, working with park and civic officials, have identified hundreds of projects in parks throughout the state. In Fremont and Newark approximately 500 volunteers will work in twelve city parks, trails and historic sites. Mayor Bob Wasserman of Fremont and Mayor David Smith of Newark are preparing City Proclamations recognizing May 8 as Mormon Helping Hands Day. Volunteers will wear the distinctive yellow Mormon Helping Hands vests, the official vests used by members of their church when participating in humanitarian service projects and disaster relief efforts throughout the world. "Our parks are not just amenities, but essential components to human existence. They make us healthier and happier. They sustain us through good times and bad, giving us hope for a better tomorrow" says Holderman. For more information about Mormon Helping Hands please visit http://newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/ and type "Helping Hands" in Search, or visit \http://newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/search?&query=Helping%20Hands&bucket=AllNewsroomContent&maxResults=10 Parks where volunteers will participate in Mormon Helpings Hands - Renewing California Parks include: Fremont Area: Central Park Always Dream Park Irvington Community Center Vallejo Mills Historical Park Higuera Adobe Historical Park in southern Fremont Niles Rose Garden (at Niles Blvd and Nursery) Newark Area: Bridgepoint Park Mirabeau Park Mayhews Landing Park Members of the church will be wearing distinctive yellow vests. Volunteers are invited to assemble at the Latter-day Saints Church Buildings where they can sign the proper forms and find out where and what work will be done. Mormon Helpings Hands - Renewing California Parks Saturday, May 8 8 a.m. to noon Latter-day Saints Church 810 Walnut Ave., Fremont (510) 797-2081 or 36400 Haley St., Newark (510) 796-0914